MRI RF Shielded Room Shielding

Effectiveness (SE) Testing Method Technical Datasheet

Final RF Test on an RF Shield

Final RF test carried out on completion of installation but prior to internal decorative lining and delivery of the MRI
magnet.

1. Radiated Attenuation Test Method

1.1 Introduction
The aim of the test method is to outline the test procedures employed to verify the shielding effectiveness of the RF
Shield meets the attenuation requirements when tested as per :

IEEE 299 – 2006, Standard Method for Measuring the Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Shielding Enclosures.

Shielding Effectiveness
The shielding effectiveness (SE) of an RF shield is defined by the ratio of signals strengths inside and outside of the
shield, i.e. how much does the shield reduce the signal. To make this easier to use it is expressed as a ratio in dB
(decibels).
Shielding effectiveness (dB) = 20 log V / V.
V1 is the signal strength outside the shielding and V the signal strength inside the shield.
As SE is expressed logarithmically it is important to note these ratios:
60 dB is a reduction by a factor of 1,000
80 dB is a reduction by a factor of 10,000
100dB is a reduction by a factor of 100,000.

1.2 Pre-requisites
The following requirements are to be undertaken prior to commencement of the testing programme:
All doors, vents, access panels and apertures closed or RF sealed.

1.3 Relevant Specifications

The testing shall be performed generally in accordance with the following test specification:
Title: IEEE 299 – 2006, Standard Method for Measuring the Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Shielding Enclosures

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

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 MRI RF Shielded Room Shielding
Effectiveness (SE) Testing Method Technical Datasheet

1.4 Radiated Attenuation Performance Requirements of Scanner Suppliers

GE 100dB (10MHz – 100MHz) Planewave
Siemens 90 dB (15-128 MHz) Modes not specified
Philips - H Field 10 MHz – 15 MHz 90dB
E Field & Plane Wave 5 MHz – 130 MHz 100dB

1.5 Test Frequencies

Tabulated below are the discrete frequencies, field and attenuation requirements for the witnessed compliance testing
of the MRI rooms. H = Magnetic mode E = electric mode.
All frequencies can be modified if scanner supplier has new requirements.
For Siemens Scanner Rooms
Frequency (Hz) Field Specified Attenuation (dB)
15 M E 90
50 M E 90
100 M E 90
115 M E 90
128 M E 90
For GE Scanner Rooms
Frequency (Hz) Field Specified Attenuation (dB)
10 M E 100
50 M E 100
100 M E 100
For Philips Scanner Rooms
Frequency (Hz) Field Specified Attenuation (dB)
10 M H 90
15 M H 90
50 M H 100
100 M H 100
130 M H 100
5M E 100
15 M E 100
50 M E 100
100 M E 100
130 M E 100

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 MRI RF Shielded Room Shielding
Effectiveness (SE) Testing Method Technical Datasheet

2. Test Procedure
A Shielding Effectiveness Test is a comparative measurement of a signal transmitted at a known frequency and signal
strength with, and without the shield in place. The test comprises three parts:
a. Checking ambient signal levels (see para 2.1). This establishes the background electromagnetic environment
and enables frequencies with high background signals which could mask test signals to be avoided.
b. Setting reference measurement levels (see para 2.2). This is when signals are transmitted at a set frequency,
antenna separation and power level and the actual signal level received is noted. This then becomes the
measurement level that the shielding effectiveness is compared with.
c. Shielding Effectiveness Tests (see para 2.3). The reference measurement set up is repeated but with the
transmit and receive antennas, and equipment now either side of the shielded enclosure. The difference
between the recorded signal and the reference measurement is the SHIELDING EFFECTIVENESS of the
enclosure. This process is repeated for the selected frequencies and test positions.

2.1 Ambient Measurements

At each selected test frequency, and OUTSIDE the shielded enclose a reading of the external electromagnetic
environment is taken and noted. During this process the transmit equipment should be switched off in case leakage
from the signal generator affects the reading.
If a test frequency co-inside’s with a strong external signal, i.e. a radio or mobile communications frequency, then it is
advisable to move the test frequency to the nearest suitable frequency with a low ambient level.

Receive equipment Transmit

measuring external equipment
ambient signals switched off

Power Sig,
EMI Rx Amp. Gen.

Ambient Measurement Set Up

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 MRI RF Shielded Room Shielding
Effectiveness (SE) Testing Method Technical Datasheet

2.2 Reference Measurements

As shielding effectiveness (SE) measurements are a ratio, prior to testing a reference level for each test frequency will
be established. This confirms the power level being transmitted and the SE reading will be compared with this. The
transmit and receive antenna separations (X in sketch below) may vary at different frequencies but will be generally be
between 600 and 1000 mm.

X mm
Receive
Transmit
Equipment
Equipment

Power Sig,
EMI Rx 1000 mm Amp. Gen.

Reference Measurement Set Up

Reference measurements will be carried out within the Main Building but away from large metallic objects (i.e. the RF
Shielded Rooms). A separation from metallic objects of at least 5 m should be maintained.

2.3 Shielding Effectiveness Tests

When the reference measurements have been completed the Transmit and Receive Tx/Rx configuration is repeated but
this time with the antennas either side of the shielded room. The difference between the Receive (Rx) signal and the
reference signal levels is the shielding effectiveness (SE). This is repeated at all the test points and all selected
frequencies.
Rx X = distance between
Receive antennas during reference
Equipment measurements
Shielded
Room

X/2 mm, allowing for

wall thickness

X/2 mm, allowing for

wall thickness

Transmit
Tx Plan View Shielded Room
Equipment

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 MRI RF Shielded Room Shielding
Effectiveness (SE) Testing Method Technical Datasheet

2.4 Test Positions

Door, Window and Filter Penetration Area

2.5 Test Results

Test results will be issued in tabular form for all test positions and frequencies.

2.6 Test Report and Certificate

The test results shall be recorded and a report on the testing information will be issued along with a certificate of test
for the RF shielded room.

About Us
European EMC Products Ltd was formed in July 1996 to supply high quality products and services to the Electro-
Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) market. The emphasis being on EMP and RF Shielded Chambers and associated products
and services such as RF Shielded Windows, Shielded Doors and Shielding Effectiveness and EMP Testing.
Quality
European EMC Products are registered to BS EN ISO 9001:2015, Certificate No. FS 38901. License scope: The design,
assembly, servicing and testing of RF Shielded structures and equipment including EMI shielding and thermal
management materials; Gas tight doors; and specialised mobile electromagnetic pulse protected (EMPP) containers.
Disclaimer
NB: All of the information provided within this datasheet is for reference only. Product specifications are subject to
change without notice.

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